Who We Are
We EATHAN – East Africa Trans Health and Advocacy Network is a network of trans*diverse activists and organizations in East Africa. We have 24 member activist representatives and organizations based in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Our mission is to equip and enable East African trans* diverse individuals and institutions, to organise and advocate for the improvement of their health, the recognition of their gender, and the protection of their human rights; utilising informed research and documentation, particularly on health and HIV, and by enhancing their livelihoods through capacity strengthening and empowerment. We work under 3 main pillars.
Advocacy
Advocating equitable health access and visibility for ITGNC communities.
We champion inclusive health services and meaningful participation of ITGNC people in HIV programming across East Africa. Through regional and continental advocacy, policy engagement, and awareness initiatives, we amplify community voices and challenge structural barriers. Our work strengthens accountability, promotes dignity, and ensures ITGNC concerns guide health and rights agendas.
Research
Building accessible, community-informed knowledge on ITGNC lives.
We develop and share research that reflects ITGNC experiences, challenges, and needs in East Africa. By generating credible evidence, we guide policy, strengthen advocacy, and support inclusive health and human rights interventions. Our research ensures decision-makers rely on accurate data rooted in lived realities, not assumptions or stereotypes.
Capacity Enhancement
Strengthening organisations to lead effective ITGNC advocacy.
We support member organisations with tailored capacity-building, mentorship, and technical assistance to increase their influence and organisational resilience. Our trainings enhance governance, advocacy skills, programme delivery, and strategic engagement. By strengthening community-led groups, we equip them to drive meaningful change and defend ITGNC rights across the region.
Movement Building
Empowering and connecting trans* communities for regional impact.
We cultivate a strong, unified regional movement of trans* diverse individuals and organisations. Through leadership development, collaboration, and community mobilisation, we foster resilience and shared purpose. Our work strengthens organisational growth, supports emerging leaders, and ensures trans* voices shape advocacy, rights, and health priorities across East Africa.
Movement Building
Empowering and connecting trans* communities for regional impact.
We cultivate a strong, unified regional movement of trans* diverse individuals and organisations. Through leadership development, collaboration, and community mobilisation, we foster resilience and shared purpose. Our work strengthens organisational growth, supports emerging leaders, and ensures trans* voices shape advocacy, rights, and health priorities across East Africa.
About Us
Trans and gender diverse persons speaking for themselves, united as a collective, generating knowledge and advocating for inclusion at continental level had not happened effectively. This has rapidly changed over the last decade. There has been a vast growth of trans-specific organising that has led to strong regional movements on the continent with agendas focusing on health, legal & policy reform, movement building, and data collection & research.
News & Updates
- Eathan
Webinar : Centering Transfeminine Mental Health in East Africa
- Eathan
International Day of Action for Trans Depathologisation 2025
Call for Applications: Emergency Response Support
- Eathan
What They Call Family—and What We Know It As
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